Black Ward
A Dictionary of Law · Henry Campbell Black · 1891
A Dictionary of Law
Asubvassal, who held ward of the king’s vassal. “BLACKLEG.” “The word ‘blackleg’ has been used long enough to be understood, not only by experts in slang, but by the public at large, and therefore ib was for the judge to expound its meaning. I have always understood the word ‘ blackleg’ to mean a person who gets his living by frequenting racecourses ani] places where games of chance are played, getting the best odds, and giving the least he can, but not necessarily cheating. That is not indictable either by statute or at common law.”
Pollock, 0. B., 3 Hurl. & N. 379.